What is a Scene Breakdown?
A scene breakdown is the detailed analysis of what each scene needs: cast, extras, props, wardrobe, vehicles, stunts, and special equipment. You can't schedule what you haven't broken down. G-Casper Pro's Breakdown tab gives you a digital version of those classic breakdown sheets.
Tip: Break down the script before building the schedule. The more complete your breakdowns, the fewer surprises on set.
Scene Card Overview
Each scene in your breakdown is represented by a scene card containing:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Scene Number | The script scene number (e.g., 1, 1A, 2) |
| Page Count | Length in eighths of a page |
| INT/EXT | Interior, Exterior, or both |
| D/N | Day, Night, Dawn, Dusk, etc. |
| Set/Location | Where the scene takes place |
| Synopsis | Brief description of the action |
| Script Page | Which script page the scene starts on |
Breakdown Elements
Elements are the items needed for each scene. G-Casper Pro uses industry-standard categories:
| Category | Traditional Color | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Cast Members | Red | Lead actors, supporting cast |
| Stunts | Orange | Stunt performers, stunt coordinators |
| Extras/BG | Green | Background artists, photo doubles |
| Vehicles | Pink | Picture cars, process trailers |
| Props | Purple | Hero props, action props |
| Wardrobe | Circle (varies) | Special costumes, multiples |
| Makeup/Hair | Asterisk | Special effects makeup, wigs |
| Special Equipment | Box | Cranes, dollies, underwater housing |
| Visual Effects | Yellow | Green screen, motion capture markers |
| Animals | Yellow | Trained animals, wranglers needed |
Interactive Demo
G-Matrix Interactive DemoClick any cell in the color matrix to filter scenes by INT/EXT and Day/Night combination.
Day
Night
INT
EXT
1
INT
DAY
COFFEE SHOP2 3/8 pgs2
EXT
DAY
STREET CORNER1 1/8 pgs3A
INT
NIGHT
APARTMENT - BEDROOM3 2/8 pgs4
EXT
NIGHT
ALLEY1 5/8 pgs5
INT
DAY
OFFICE BUILDING2 1/8 pgs6
EXT
DAY
PARK1 4/8 pgs7
INT
NIGHT
RESTAURANT2 7/8 pgs8
EXT
NIGHT
ROOFTOP1 2/8 pgsAdding and Managing Elements
To add elements to a scene:
- Open the scene card by clicking on it in the Breakdown tab
- Click 'Add Element' or use the keyboard shortcut
- Select the element category
- Type the element name (autocomplete suggests existing elements)
- Add any notes specific to this scene's use of the element
Tip: Create elements once and reuse them across scenes. 'Hero Gun' should be the same element whether it appears in Scene 5 or Scene 47.
Element Library
Your Element Library contains all breakdown elements across your production. Use it to:
- See which scenes use each element
- Track element availability across the schedule
- Add notes that apply to the element generally (e.g., 'Requires 24-hour notice for rental')
- Group related elements together
- Export element lists for department heads
Importing Breakdowns
If you've already broken down your script in Movie Magic Scheduling, G-Casper Pro can import your breakdown data including scenes, elements, and element assignments.
Important: After importing, always spot-check a few scenes to verify elements imported correctly. Different software versions may handle certain categories slightly differently.